Living for Jesus…dealing with Breast Cancer and Life

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One hill at a time

My head and heart are spinning. I have these moments where it feels like there is just too much to process. But I am going to start this post by saying God IS good…all the time…in everything.

I learned recently that a dear blogger friend was claimed by this beast of cancer. Jellebelle was a beacon of light and encouragement. Her writing was raw and authentic and we had a connection through the digital divide. She received my very first tree pendant and we even bridged the virtual gap over a bowl of Pho in Seattle. I’m glad I was able to give her a physical hug. Her spirit in this world will be missed.

I can’t put her passing away together with the PINK media onslaught that is October. My Facebook feed is filled with the most ridiculous awareness campaigns that are so disconnected from doing anything effective. Philips is lighting up monuments pink. The NFL has their “perfect catch” program. Corporations slap a pink ribbon on the products to sell more and then donate an extremely small percentage…even then:

60% of funds raised and donated in North America are being put back into awareness campaigns. Currently only 5% of funds raised and donated in North America are being used towards prevention research.
– Pink Ribbons Inc

Seriously, the dramatic need for AWARENESS is over. These numbers should be reversed with the bulk of the funds generated going to RESEARCH…and an actual cure rather than just better treatment. 40,000 women still die every year in America and that needs to change…but it wont the way things are currently working.

To top that off I just returned from 3 (good, intense) weeks traveling to New York, Croatia and Slovenia. It was a whirlwind of friends, food, wine, laughter, tears. It was also the first time I had seen my husband in 9 months. Emotional roller coaster is an understatement. No wonder I am feeling a bit exhausted at the moment.

In light of all this I go back to God is good. In the storm. In the emotions. In the unknown. In provision. It is hard for me to continue to let go and trust but the more I do the easier it is because I see His faithfulness.

Here is an image from Slovenia that centers me right now. There is a lot I wish I knew…but I do know my trajectory over the next hill and I have faith that I will be able to tackle whatever lies after. And I should look up and enjoy the scenery while I can. 🙂

2 thoughts on “One hill at a time”

So, you’re sick of awareness? And flashy ads bringing attention to your situation? Tell that to those dead and dying of lung, colon, brain cancer, etc. Let’s give them a month and a pretty ribbon with athletes wearing bright colored shoes and gloves. Research funds for breast cancer far out pace those of bigger or similarly numbered killers. Be satisfied that saving the tat-tats brings attention, awareness and funding. Brain and ass cancers aren’t so sexy.

I don’t want to be negative, but when you look at breast cancer funding (not just funding for awareness) compared to the biggest cancer killers, you should thank god for the unending campaigns, in whatever form, for awareness. These lead directly to far more funding for research into breast cancer than the larger cancer killers and in is significanty higher in porportion to reseach into other cancers.

On all counts, this is just sad. Breast cancer “awareness” and research has, through marketing, eclisped all other forms — including those more deadly (both in frequency and mortality).

So, don’t be bitter when you see pink. Just be thankful someone is paying attention.